Alcoholism and mental wellness among youths in Oyo metropolis: Implications for counseling

Abstract

Alcohol consumption has been associated with mental health all over the world. Poor mental health especially during adolescence no doubt has significant negative impact on their educational achievement as well as their behavior. In Nigeria today, alcohol  consumption has contributed immensely towards increase in road accidents and Juvenile crimes. Many youths indulge in taking alcohol in order to belong or feel comfortable among their peers. Some take solace in alcohol consumption as an escape route from feeling of depression or unhappiness. Some identified negative consequences of alcohol consumption include risky sexual behavior, increased suicidal rate, violence, Juvenile delinquency, greater risk of accidents and illicit drug use. Hence it is considered a serious health challenge. This paper therefore investigated selected youths in Oyo Metropolis in South West Nigeria and their alcohol consumption with the aim of providing preventive measures in the reduction of their alcohol consumption and coping strategies to prevent the intake of alcohol altogether. The quasi-experimental research design was employed. 100 samples (50 male and 50female youths) were randomly selected. 5null hypotheses were raised and tested using Pearson Product Moment Correlation and T-test statistics to analyze the data generated at 0.05 level of significance. Results obtained revealed no significant relationship between religious background and alcohol consumption. No significant difference was found between gender and alcohol consumption among others. However, a significant relationship was found between alcohol consumption and relationship with others (peers and friends). Adequate recommendations were made based on the findings which include preventive approach to mental health problems and
parental responsibilities.

Key words: alcoholism, alcohol consumption, mental health, mental Wellness, Juvenile delinquency